If you decide to read through the thread from scratch (good luck), there will be a mention of Phase 1 and 2:

Phase 1 is the drop-in replacement for the Model M inner assembly that turns a Model M into a functional F. The only parts remaining from the original M are the outer shell (case), and the keycaps.

Phase 2 is to be determined, but we would be making a new and unique board from scratch using a new buckling spring switch (hopefully improved) that would support modern layouts, keycaps, case designs, etc.

These two phases are intermixed in this thread because Phase 2 is really an extension of Phase 1. Phase 2 (new board) is really my end goal, but Phase 1 is a baby-step (though a giant baby) towards proving we are capable of doing this. We are using this thread as a "think tank" because the ideas are so closely related.

Lot lizard is planning to do a second version of this after "Phase 1" that'll deviate a bit more from the classic IBM choices (Curved Plate, Large Bezel, ...) than this current phase.

I think it's still possible to curve the plate at the same time as keeping the profiling on the caps, the curve after all is really quite passive and not at all aggressive like some cherry boards and even modern day ones. I'm putting my vote for a still curved mark 2 because the curved profile justification is just too good. I wonder if the PCB's can be made thinner?

It is not about one or the other, it is about options. Our plan is to design "keyboards" (not "a keyboard").

But some features - such as "controller on pad card" and "bezel-less layout" will be very difficult or impossible with a curved back-plate. It is possible to make a buckling spring HHKB (about 3 mm bezel and only place to put controller is under space bar) but I think it is going to have to be flat.

It is not about one or the other, it is about options. Our plan is to design "keyboards" (not "a keyboard").

But some features - such as "controller on pad card" and "bezel-less layout" will be very difficult or impossible with a curved back-plate. It is possible to make a buckling spring HHKB (about 3 mm bezel and only place to put controller is under space bar) but I think it is going to have to be flat.

But... but... my curves? If we're to choose between "no bezel" and "no curve", I'd rather have the former. Pretty please?

What are you guys most looking forward to doing when you get your Mara? I want to assemble my own, so I imagine unboxing them from the custom shipping/storage boxes, and laying out all the individual parts.

Then putting together the first SSK: turning the satisfying torx screws, applying the stickers, loading on the special set of key caps I've been saving for it (a combination of XT alphas and SSK mods), and giving it that first test run.

I can't wait to bring that bad boy into work and watching everyone wonder where the racket is coming from. Then inviting them to try it for themselves.

What are you guys most looking forward to doing when you get your Mara? I want to assemble my own, so I imagine unboxing them from the custom shipping/storage boxes, and laying out all the individual parts.

Then putting together the first SSK: turning the satisfying torx screws, applying the stickers, loading on the special set of key caps I've been saving for it (a combination of XT alphas and SSK mods), and giving it that first test run.

I can't wait to bring that bad boy into work and watching everyone wonder where the racket is coming from. Then inviting them to try it for themselves.

Both hands above the desk, Techno Trousers.

So I snagged a set of flippers and springs from Ellipse's project on eBay. Probably rejects, but I got them for $0.50, so... If I can find a set of equally cheap barrels, I'll be set. Unlikely but, half way there.

So I snagged a set of flippers and springs from Ellipse's project on eBay. Probably rejects, but I got them for $0.50, so... If I can find a set of equally cheap barrels, I'll be set. Unlikely but, half way there.

I'm planning to again order two full-sized and two SSK. I believe I'm going to have some switches left over when everything is accounted for. I need to count everything up. I'd be willing to sell extras for a reasonable price.

I really shouldn’t announce this yet, but we will be initiating the re-commencement of our buy a little more properly. We have a proper site to place orders going forward. The code is from the ground up, and will include some charts (our friends at JFreeCharts), etc... but the idea is to create a site where anyone can facilitate a proper group buy without any commission from us (each drop has a unique owner and PayPal collector). It’s 70% (no products or drops yet) there if anyone wanted to take a peek and provide feedback. The subscription bit is fully functional if you wanted to sign up. The concept is to be a DT partner (allowing you to apply your handle in the cart on checkout), and provide discounts based on validated membership levels if applicable. In our case, it will be extremely similar pricing to the original buy if you participated (I have the list )

Unfortunately though, the fabricator of our steel plates is going to be the Hoover Dam on our production bandwidth. They have grown quite a bit since our last experiments (good for our friends), but means they have some large contracts now with zero opportunities to recalibrate tooling/machinery for our little run. I did get a full commitment from them that they would produce as many as we wanted the week of 9/9.

[...]

Last time we had some momentum and everyone was closely following, so we only needed a small window of time to join the GB (like 3-4 weeks?!?). Now since we know a date for production to wrap up, we can make this a little less of scramble. I was thinking maybe 7/4 we start taking orders, and let it run for 6-8 weeks this time? Thoughts are very welcome. Again, apologize for the delay. Now that my life and our timing has some clarity, I will be on here much more frequently.

We should be getting close to the end of the buying phase by that plan. Somehow I think there'll be some more delay, until our lizard resurfaces.